Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following a violent incident on Flight Q1 513 from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10. The airline described her behavior as a “serious threat” to the safety of crew, passengers, and aircraft.
In an official statement released Monday, Ibom Air said the trouble began before takeoff in Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, a standard aviation safety requirement. She only complied after the pilot intervened via public announcement and a fellow passenger turned off the device.
Despite a brief verbal outburst, the flight departed without further issues. However, upon landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the situation escalated violently. Ms. Emmanson reportedly waited for other passengers to disembark, then physically attacked the Purser—the lead cabin crew member who had earlier given the phone instruction. According to the airline, she stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, threw her glasses to the floor, and repeatedly slapped her.
When another crew member intervened, she allegedly assaulted her as well. Ms. Emmanson then attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, potentially endangering the aircraft.
Airport security was alerted by the Pilot-in-Command, but before their arrival, the Purser blocked Ms. Emmanson from exiting the aircraft. A now-viral video captures part of the altercation. Upon arrival, Ibom Air and FAAN security personnel were also attacked as they tried to restrain her. She reportedly slapped the airline’s ground supervisor and continued her violent behavior even after being removed from the plane.
Ms. Emmanson was ultimately detained by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force. The airline has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and imposed a permanent travel ban on her.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment,” the airline said, warning that such behavior will attract legal consequences and permanent bans.
The management of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) also confirmed the incident, stating that Ms. Emmanson attacked not only airline personnel but FAAN and terminal security staff. The terminal reiterated that disruptive passengers face immediate intervention, legal prosecution, and possible civil liability.
Ibom Air praised the professionalism of its crew and the swift action of airport authorities in handling the incident. The airline urged all passengers to obey crew instructions to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board.
